DocBauer

I think he fits the role of bulk or piggyback reliever well. His velocity and overall stuff really improved the second half of 2024 and I think he's turned out to be a smart 40 man add. Its not hard to see now that someone probably would have grabbed him for the same role on a ML club looking to develop talent wherever they can find it. Recent opponents the Rays and A's might be good examples. He's also got the ability to slide in to the rotation, if rested, for an emergency type start with 4-5 innings being possible due to his past starting experience, and the fact that he's largely remained stretched out at St Paul. But with Coulombe back fairly soon, his initial introduction to MLB may be brief. I don't believe the Twins are ready to .ove on from Alcala yet, and with sound reasoning. And Adams is still a rookie, so he may not light up the place initially either. But I think he's got a future in this role as an 8th man who's got talent and isn't just an innings eater in a blowout. I just don't know that he's up for long this first time.

During the series, Correa tried switching cleats with Jeffers...they have the same shie size...because he was slipping in the batters box. He eneded up switching back after a brief trial. During the telecast, Plouffe commented on the difference between different spikes, metal vs plastic. The A's are a HORRIBLY run franchise and the owners should force them to sell, IMO. But I'm not going to blame the conditions on the field for a pair of injuries without more input and information. But when multiple players complain about the conditions, it does make me wonder where MLB steps in and starts to look at conditions.

They have been. Or at least were before he was injured. Then Larnach got those AB. I think it's a little fluid since he got back.

I think this is a valid question for a draft that is either "down" or greatly "mixed" in regard to the talent available. It's one thing to have the general philosophy I've mentioned of BAT FIRST since the really good ones disappear quickly, vs what the draft actually offers. It seems to be a good arms draft and a lot of really good HS talent. But if you don't grab the prep talent early and PAY THEM, you're going to lose them to college and new scholarship money and potential NIL. So far, the Twins have done a tremendous job in recent years of taking the BPA, even though they look bat 1st and take developmental arms later. But they took Canterino and Prielipp early as well, and Petty in the 1st. So I believe they are fluid in their thinking. And I've also thought a lot about college arms early after your last couple of podcasts. Success with later college arms DOESN'T mean you can't draft some even better, projectable arms early. In a "weird" and hard to define draft, why not hit the mound hard and early? I don't know when, HS or college, maybe the 1st round, but im expecting 1 prep player or pitcher with upside, and I'd LOVE a pair of talented college arms for the other top 2 picks. Despite all the arms in the system, you can never have enough pitching. Ryan and Ober still have a couple of years of control left, and extensions are possible. Soto and Hill are still years away. Kyle Jones and CJ Culpepper have, unfortunately, had some injury setbacks. Why not double or triple down on arms early in a draft where there aren't a lot of college bats that scream to be picked at 16? Grab a pair of really good college arms that you see real upside with EARLY. But don't be afraid of a top prep player in one of those first 3 spots either. If you can turn Festa, Matthews, and others in to top prospects, imagine what your system might do with even more polished arms? Then grab another catcher somewhere in the top 10 you like as much or more than Diaw or Ferrer.

Despite having a certain reputation for how they draft, the Twins have proven to be pretty fluid when you look at recent history since our current FO took over and placed Johnson in charge. Still, there is a general philosophy that TOP BATS are limited in supply, so take them 1st and look for value second. I do like this draft as is. Hall being only 17 with solid tools is very intriguing. It gives them a toolsy SS 5 years away to counter Correa and Culpepper at the top of the chain. (No disrespect to DeAndrade). I'd still be slightly surprised if it went this way, but not shocked. If the Twins were to draft a college bat in the 1st, I'd love Wehiwa Aloy from Arkansas, but I don't think he'd fall that far. But if I had to lay $ on the line, I'd still bet on the best college bat available in the 1st with at least 1 prep player, if not 2, with their next couple of picks.

Going to echo comments that the headline is a bit disingenuous in presentation. It could have, and should have been written differently. A solid 2024, including a strong second half, and his 40 man addition had us all thinking "when" and not "if" Adams was going to be up. I had thought/hoped it might be after July 1st, but these things are always fluid. Initially, I thought Tonkin was going to make the club and fill this role, 2 IP twice per week, and Topa or Varland might do it once in a while. But again, these things are always fluid. Right now, we could really use Adams grabbing hold of opportunity, even as a rookie, and just be a solid once through the order 2 IP option to help bridge the gap from starter to the rest of the pen. Its a role he seems prepared for, and talented enough to do. But he's also a rookie getting his first shot, so we'll just cross our fingers and hope. Things don't always click the first time. The traditional "long man" has changed from bygone days, even with shorter starts, with the advent of an 8 man pen. But even with a really good staff, there is room for a "middle man" who can go 2 innings twice a week, maybe 3 IP once in a while. Losing Lopez HURTS! But if Matthews and Festa can go 5 IP per start...maybe squeezing out 6 here and there...and just be solid as they feel their way as young ML starters, someone like Adams being a 2 IP bridge can make a huge difference. The question is, even if he performs well, how long does he stay up? Coulombe is starting a rehab. If that goes well, he should be up within a week. Then it becomes a debate who gets sent down/out. I still don't see them getting ready of Alcala at this point based on pure stuff and potential if he gets his head right.

I wasn't a big fan of Culpepper initially because I was uncertain of the upside. I saw hit potential, some power, and decent speed. He didn't play SS full time until 2024, IIRC, as a solid upperclassman had the job initially. But I read that the tools were there to potentially stick. I just thought there were enough question marks that I wasn't completely sold on him. Good thing I'm just a fan and not a scout, LOL. Getting a chance to be a full time SS now means he's doing nothing but grow in to the role. And he seems to have all the athleticism needed to stay there. He's lowered the chase rate that somewhat of a concern. While he may or may not ever have 20 HR power, he clearly has some HR power in addition to obvious DOUBLES ability. And whether or not he's got 20SB ability is YTB, he's clearly got the ability to run the bases and make a couple plays with his legs. I think he's at AA really soon. End of this month at latest. And I think DeBarge is just behind him. In fact, we really should be talking more about him and what he's been doing this season as well. He's also ready for AA, or really close. Am I the only one pleasantly surprised by how well Schobel has done? He deserved his promotion to AAA and has already announced himself with a HR. All 3 of these guys have a ladder yet to climb. They aren't MLB ready yet. But between starting jobs and utility roles, isn't it exciting to look at Keaschall, Schobel, Culpepper, and DeBarge all 4 as Twins options by 2026 at some point? We focus on top young pitching prospects and young OF prospects a lot, but the INF has some really good looking, versatile young athletes ready...in the case of Keaschall...and a handful of others that might be ready within a year or so from now. And not to dismiss them, but there's a handful of others a little further down that have potential as well. I'm really excited about the INF over the next few years.

There's a lot of ways to be a productive hitter. Some like a HOF like Puckett...ONLY for example sake and NOT as a direct comparison...you had a special player who was a pretty aggressive, not patient, hitter who batted over. 300 for his career with a .360 OB% and plenty of power. He was a good enough hitter to win batting titles. Then you have someone like Arraez who has a career .300 AVG and OB% in the .360's but very little power, and has won a couple batting titles as well. Productive in a different way. Wallner will just never approach anything close to hitters like those in regard to AVG. But his OB% is also in the .360's, with a SLG% and OPS that is currently higher than even Puckett had for his career. Again, just a different way to be productive. Yes, in comparison, we're talking a SSS. Except he's been putting up those numbers for 3 years or so now. Does he have to MAINTAIN what he's doing? ABSOLUTELY. (He NEVER should have been in AAA for as long as he was in 2024)! I think 2 things hold back some people's perspective on Wallner: A] some can't look beyond the high K numbers and still see the decent AVG, and good OB, SLG, and OPS numbers, and B] he didn't arrive as a 22yo prospect, but really as a 25yo. Of course, the slow start in 2024 and demotion after a SSSS and then being held down for WAY too long helps skew his perspective. I think he's a wonderfully productive player who is young enough to be a major part of this lineup for another 4-5 years easily. He's not going to be a HOF player, or win any batting titles, but he's damn good. And barring injury...knock on wood...I really hope everyone starts to realize just how good he's been, and should be going forward.

First of all, we're in a bit of a fantasy land on an ownership who hasn't allowed more than pennies each of the last 3 trade deadlines and are trying to sell the team. So unless they choose to "gift" the FO additional $ at the deadline as a going away present, I think this entire debate is a rather pointless exercise. But let's play fantasy baseball for a moment. This FO isn't afraid to move some solid prospects for help. But they aren't going to move any sort of top prospect for a rental bat. So unless someone like Naylor comes in for a 11-20 prospect and a 30-ish prospect, they aren't going to make a move there. But it's more likely than 3B. Are they really going to kick Lewis aside for some rental 3B? ONLY if Lewis is done for the season and the prospect cost is similar to Naylor, mentioned above. Lewis may not be the mythic STAR player we've glimpsed in the past, but he's also not the guy who's been struggling do much this season. IIRC, wasn't he looking pretty good in ST before his injury? Regardless, they AREN'T going to just move on from the still young Lewis. They also love Lee and think he's a young man with a bright future. Again, they just aren't moving on from him. I'm NOT saying the offense doesn't need to improve. But for just a moment let's stop and realize and remember what Correa and Buxton are doing. Let's remember just how good Wallner is, and all 3 are back now. Let's remember that while not a STUD, Larnach is a pretty solid batter and like last season he's on an upswing. Jeffers is one of the best offensive catchers in the game. That's not a bad base for an offense to start clicking and raise up their normal per game production. DESPITE the injuries and highs and lows of Lewis, from here on out, if he ONLY hits to his career .776 OPS he's a productive hitter. France is NOT an All Star Caliber hitter any longer, but he's a professional veteran who's been clutch so far, and wouldn't be a bad option lower in the order, barring a sudden regression. Castro and Bader are solid contributors, though Castro isn't as good as he's been lately, and Bader isn't as good as he's flashed. But both are solid, useful players. And if we get Keaschall back in July, he adds potential and all around ability. He doesn't have to be the player he was on his first couple of weeks, and probably wont be, but he can help. They AREN'T replacing anyone at 3B barring an injury or a sweet rental deal. Can they get a sweet rental deal to replace the solid but unspectacular France at 1B? IDK. But at least it's a possibility to consider if the prospect and $ cost makes sense. My #1 priority, based on everything I've already stated, would be another solid, dependable BP arm. I'd love another LH to team with Coulombe. But if they could find another Sergio Romo deal for a veteran RH, I'd be fine with that as well. Reality says offensive improvement will have to come from within, and potentially can. Reality says offensive improvement will also come from within based with what we have, and the possible addition of Rodriguez in 2026, as well as possible deals or FA additions in the next offseason. Reality says ownership might allow a couple $M prorated for a pen additon at the deadline if a smart deal presents itself.

There have been some disappointments so far this season. I was expecting more from Doktorczyk, but I get that he's a rookie after never throwing after being drafted last season. I was expecting more from Tanner Hall, and Langenberg just hasn't looked like the same pitcher this season. Not seeing Kyle Jones or CJ Culpepper this season...yet...has been a bummer. Soto has been great, but being out right now makes the various MILB reports a little less fun. But there have certainly been some hilights, which articles like this point out. It's been very interesting how Lee has been used, both as a starter and a bulk reliever. I'm wondering where they see his future? Are the bulk appearances more about giving equal opportunity for different arms to start? Or do they see a quality reliever in the future? The BB issue previously and his 26yo age must be why Baker was available in the MILB portion of the draft. But he has really been impressive. At this point, he should be about ready for AAA ball. Even then, is he a SP candidate? Or does he have enough stuff that he might bump velocity up a notch in the pen at some point? Lefty Rozek has been a good and useful organization guy the past couple of years at AA and AAA, both starting and relieving. It's my understanding he's more of the "crafty" lefty and doesn't have the velocity to really be a "prospect". Still, LH and breathing, I've been a little bit surprised he hasn't been converted to a permanent pen spot to see if he might have some ability as a middle innings lefty option. It's my understanding that Macleod's biggest jump in 2024 was due to an increase in velocity. From about mid 2024 on he's really made a BIG jump. I'm also wondering if he might not be about ready for AAA come July? If he can keep the BB down, he might be a viable back end starter. 10K per 9 from a tall LH seems to indicate he might be a legitimate pen weapon in the future. That's not a bad outcome! I'm a big believer in Festa, but a 4th pitch could carry him up another level. If his 2 seamer can become effective, that makes his high velocity 4 seamer more effective, as well as maybe getting a few more easy groundouts here and there. The slider is great, his change is solid. I wonder if a change in grip might make his 4 seamer more effective? Or maybe he needs to eventually add a sweeper at some point once his 2 seamer becomes more comfortable. Disappointments here and there by some arms in the system...to be expected...but there's been some real growth by other arms. Still a lot to be excited about by the number or arms that have potential in the system.

I really like Lee's defense, though I think he might be best at 3B by a fraction over 2B. I think he's fine as a backup SS. He's no Correa, but then again, not many are. Offensively, I don't think he's a finished product yet and he's going to take a couple steps forward still. That's part of the reason I've repeatedly commented I want him playing daily as much as possible to grow as a hitter. His floor? Pretty much what he is now, maybe a tiny bit better, as a good glove, useful for not great bat who can have a long and solid career as a 3 spot backup. (Might he add 1B at some point?) What do I think he'll become? I see him as a consistent .270-.280 hitter with an OB% in the .320's with about 50 XBH a year, probably mid teens HR and 30+ Dbls. With his solid glove, that's a really solid, dependable player who makes money, contributes to your lineup and your defense, and is worth a couple WAR per season. Probably never makes an All Star team, but there could be that special year where he slips in. I'm not convinced in 20 HR power at this point, or that he's going to be patient enough as a hitter for better than this. His ceiling? Well, more HR power...or possibly 40+ Dbls power...and more patience and better selction, we could have a .280-.290 hitter with a .350 OB%. That's probably a 2 or 3 time All Star.

Surprised Fedko and Baez didn't make the list again this month. Schobel should be at AAA by July 1st. He looks like a new man. Almost makes me wonder if he was 100% in 2024? (Fedko promoted same time?) Culpepper and Baez should both be at AA right behind Schobel's and Baez's promotion. They sure look for real. Baseball Reference doesn't show Caught Stealing for Baez in 2025. He's a really good athlete overall, especially for a catcher, and didn't become a full time backstop until 2022. So he's new to the every day duties there. I believe you can teach a kid to be better defensively on both a physical and mental level if they have the devote to learn and at.least some natural feel for the position. But I don't think you can't take a kid with an 11% CS rate and ever do much to improve that to an acceptable level. If you could somehow get him up to around 22-25% you might get a solid #2 with a better than average bat who could backup 1B some as well. I just don't know if he's got that potential in him.

Teams were interested in Paddack in the offseason because they saw upside and a cheap contract. The Twins saw the same and declined because they saw the same thing and weren't offered enough, in their opinion, to move him. Now he's pitching very well, even if some of his underlying numbers aren't tremendous. The pitching is carrying the team, though the offense is FINALLY getting healthy again and there's some hope for improvement. A healthy Keaschall in July might bump the offense up a notch. Royce finally re-discovering himself makes a TREMENDOUS difference in the offense the 2nd half as well. I have a lot of belief in both Festa and Matthews. I think they're better arms than SWR, and I still like SWR who's still only 24yo. But all 3 young arms are still growing and adapting and learning. I don't think the Twins go swirling down the toilet by moving a solid, productive SP with one of their talented youngsters. But isn't it nice to know you don't HAVE to hand them a job TODAY by trading Paddack while in the playoff hunt? Isn't it nice to know you have the ability to throw them out there and rotate through them if and when necessary and even have them for a possible post season pen spot? (And you're going to need them in 2026). But more than anything else, tell me what playoff contending team, especially in today's format, have a quality spare OF/1B who can lift up the offense by trading said player to the Twins for Paddack to fill up their rotation while they potentially hamper their offense? I'll wait.

I really appreciate the MILB RP of the month recaps as I think anyone doing well in the system is worthy of being singled out. Unfortunately, the simple truth is very few relievers make it to MLB unless they are starters converted sooner or later. Klein might have a shot, though I don't know exactly what he throws, or how hard. What I look for is guys who are used as middle and long relievers and put up good numbers. I can then imagine what they might be capable of in 1-2 IP roles. That would mean someone like Parades in AA, or the rebounding Ohl, and LH options like Nowlin or MacLeod might be useful, possibly even in 2026. (I believe MacLeod is still starting). For any MILB RP, it's a long haul. All you can is produce and be consistent and move up and do the same at every level. Eventually, if you reach AAA and keep doing the same, even at 27yo, the team might give you a shot.

I believe I read that someone went back through his career and totalled up his sacks, as it wasn't a recorded statistic... by then normal NFL record keeping...and I believe he ranks 22nd in NFL history for sacks. 20 years played, 19 with the Vikings, the record holder for consecutive starts for an NFL player AS A DL that was broken by Farve YEARS after his retirement, 3 times 2nd team All Pro and 2 Pro Bowls and 22nd All Time in sacks. I just honestly don't know how he's not in the HOF. I wonder if there is anyone above him in sacks that isn't in the Hall?

I don't agree with their opinion or usage of McCusker. I know they are a hell of a lot more informed than I ever will be. But being stubborn...my opinion...doesn't mean opportunities and opinions can't change. Unless they want to look at Gasper yet again, McCusker is the only other bat probably worthy of being brought up IF Lewis goes down. And I'll say again, what do you have to lose by letting him get an actual opportunity to play? He might be lousy. Odds say he wont be very good. But if he hit .200 but stroked 4 doubles and 3 HR just from the contact he DOES make, he'd be a bottom of the order asset that could prove better than what we've been seeing down there most games. That's really all I'm saying. Sometimes you roll thr dice and take a chance and see if you get lucky. It wouldn't be the first that happened in recent history.

He has a strong, powerful swing, and quick hands. Let's also not forget the importance of having his legs solidly beneath him. I think what we've been seeing is a finally healthy Buxton who has grown as a more experienced batter. While some hits to RF may be "lucky'" results, I don't believe all of them are. And let's not forget just putting the bat on the ball hard incdeaes the likelihood of a base hit...or more...rather than a dribbler. I'm not a doctor, I know medicine isn't always perfect, but I keep wondering why his knee wasn't fixed the way it ultimately was BEFORE the 2023 season? While I won't predict Buck suddenly turning in to an Iron Man, I commented months ago how well he felt in 2024. I referenced former Viking great Robert Smith who just learned to take better care of himself and not get beat up all the time and what a great career he had once he learned and adapted. I've commented that with his knee now feeling as good as it has in years, his hip just might suddenly get better as well. And the idea of a 30yo Buxton suddenly being healthy enough to play 100+ games a season might not be a fantasy. I was called a few different things, including being too much of an optimist. But right now, overall, I'm not sure Buxton has ever been a better, more well rounded player. Yes, crap can still happen. This is the Twins after all, the organization where we all wait for the next shoe to drop. But damn is he playing great!

As a fan, I sooo want to scream: "get Culpepper and DeBarge up to AA NOW"! But then I stop and remember they were both still in college this time last season and it's only June 2nd. STILL, when top college players are performing this well, I can't believe they won't be promoted by July 1st. I feel the same way about Prielipp. And I still a future with him as a SP if they just keep building him up. He's performing at a phenomenal level, even with a roughly 50 pitch cap right now. And then I remember how little he's pitched and the Twins comment they want to see a little better mix of his pitches. So im also thinking a few more weeks at AA can only help right? Good chance he's at 60 pitches his next start, or the one after that. He can be at AAA come July 1st and still have his IP monitored with a chance to help the Twins in September, and possibly beyond. Not mentioned was Schobel who I was begining to write off. But he's solved AA. I think he's about ready for AAA as well. Betting he moves up when Culpepper and DeBarge both do. Diaw is athletic enough to have played some CF in college, and has done so in MILB when not behind thr plate. He's got real potential behind the plate, and AT the plate. But catchers are seldom "born" and drafted as great prospects. They usually have to be developed, at least to some degree. No matter how well he hits this season, I'd be OK if he just grew and learned at A+ this season and got ready for AA in 2026.

I guess i should have saved what I posted on the week in review for here. IMO, I'd play him against the A's and see if something suddenly goes right. I'd probably take him back for some home cooking when the road trip is done. It feels that the congenial, "good guy" that Royce is somehow ticked off a minor deity who has placed a curse on him. If he doesn't start getting right over the next 7 games, I'd think a re-set of some sort is in order. I'd day a 7 day list for some rest and clear his head, and then begin a rehab assignment. IDK if said rehab assignment means a week at CR, a week at Wichita, and a week for St Paul or not. That's for the Twins to decide. But something just isn't right with Royce right now. But with Keaschall out for at least another month, Martin out, Rodriguez only recently getting hot, and both Miranda and Julien looking bad, who on earth do you bring up? I'd honestly bring McCusker back up to DH and play a little OF, and I mean against RHP as well. He could hit .200 with a poor OB% and still stroke 4 doubles and 3 HR over a couple weeks just with limited contact. That would STILL be an improvement over what Lewis is currently doing. (And that's very sad). Lee plays 3B along with Casto and Bride. Clemens can focus more on 2B in the short term, with Castro and Lee also covering there. 7-10 games to see if the deity cursing Lewis is enough already, then make the move. This is about the future of Royce, and the Twins, not pride.

The biggest bummer of the road trip so far was the 2nd Seattle game. They came back, and had the M's on the ropes in extra innings and ket the game slip away. That was worse than the Alcala 2 run HR as the Twins still had time to rally down by 1 run and did. If Alcala could turn the "consistency" nob up even 1 more notch he could be really useful as the 7th or 8th man. And as Nick pointed out, he had been quite good in his previous 5-6 appearances. His ERA is skewed by a few bad performances as he hasn't been that bad all season. If the Twins tried to DFA him, he'd be snapped up in a second by someone. And im just not sure who you'd call up to replace him right now with Tonkin out, (not everyone likes him i get that). Blewett is gone, and I don't know if anyone else is ready to take over that last spot that offers more upside. I think I'd stick with him a little longer before making a decision. Having the ability to make good contact and spray the ball around the way Lee does is a good basis for future production. I agree with @tony&rodneythat he seems to hit off his front foot at times. He looks too hunched over the plate to me instead of being cocked and locked and ready to strike the ball hard. But again i say he should play daily as much as possible thr entire season. He's still growing as a hitter, definitely has upside, and has a good glove and solid instincts as a ballplayer. But he should be hitting at the bottom of the order right now, despite Rocco's faith in him. I honestly didn't realize until today that Lewis is the only Twin to ever have a PAIR of 0-30+ hitless streaks in his career. He may not be the superman he appeared to be previously, but I have little doubt there's a solid bat still in there. If he's not actually hurt, I'd play him against the A's to see if some baseball fairy dust settles on him. And I'd probably bring him home for the homestand for some home cooking before I made a final decision. But if he doesn't appease whatever minor deity he's offended to get him off to this horrific start by then, he's got to have a re-set of some sort. The problem is who comes up to replace him? Miranda and Julien have continued to mostly flounder. What we've seen of Gasper so far has been very unimpressive. And Keaschall is out for another month or so. I don't see someone like Schobel being added and jumping from AA, despite having an impressive season. Honestly...not because he continues to be an interesting story...but I'd bring McCusker back up and let him DH and play a little OF and see if he can walk in to a few doubles and a few bombs hitting near the bottom of the lineup. I ask yet again, what do you have to lose? Lee can be the primary 3B, with Bride and Castro also seeing time there, and Clemens can cover 2B most days until/unless the magic suddenly disappears completely from his bat. Lee and Castro obviously can factor in at 2B as well. It's frustrating, disappointing, even a bit scary that Vazquez is pretty much out hitting Royce at this time. Give him the A's series, bring him home, then make a decision. If he still looks lost, 7 days or rest and a re-set at AAA to regain confidence would seem the best course of action.

I'm OK with the extension as I think he's done well reshaping the roster in general and has done a good job mitigating what was a bad salary situation. He's done a tremendous job in FA and better than most teams in UDFA. His first 2 drafts were pretty bad. And a GM has to work with his head of scouting and coaches to keep the lifeblood of the franchise flowing through the draft. I also agree that the 2023 draft was pretty good when the move for Hockensen is factored in. 2024 will be defining for him. They potentially selected a franchise QB. Turner flashed as a 21yo rookie when he was on the field. But he also had a pair of veterans making contributions ahead of him. Year 2 is his time to shine. They also drafted a great kicker and a pair of OL, and a DL, that have potential, even if they only turn out to be good backups. With a limited 2025 draft, and so early, it's impossible to say if they did well with their limited options. But Jackson being a mainstay for years at LG could almost make the draft himself. As to the rest of the draft, it's a HUGE TBD. There's no way to possibly predict how good Felton might be at WR. Georgia doesn't produce poor athletes. Can Flores and his staff mold Ingram-Dawkins? King is a tough kid and tackling machine, but how well can he actually "move"? I actually kinda like Bartholomew as a depth TE with some potential. But again, a limited draft that is TBD. I do like the way Kwesi has manipulated the 2026 draft to give the Vikes 9 projected picks, including 4 in the first 3 rounds. He's still got some things to prove in regard to drafting. But he's also done enough so far overall that even with 2024 and 2025 TBD, it's hard not to give him an extension.

I guess im the opposite in belief for these guys. I actually think Julien has the better chance to figure it out. Julien DID have power until recently and his game has been about a good approach of looking for a pitch, controlling the zone, and taking a good number of BB along with some K's. I see him as a lighter power Wallner in approach. But from May 1st of 2024 he's just been a MESS in a bizarre mix of being too aggressive at times, and too passive at other times. Miranda has an ingrained belief that making contact with anything he can reach is a good thing. But that leads over and over to swings and misses or weak contact. A few times in his career...including his breakout MILB season...he has been able to reign in that instinct and he's looked excellent. I just don't know that he can overcome that "make contact with anything/everything" instinct he has. Of course I root for both guys to figure it out. But with Lee growing as a MlB player, with Keaschall as top prospect, with guys like Schobel, Culpepper, and DeBarge flashing and just getting better and better, I'm just not sure if either has a future with the Twins at this point.

IDK know what to think about Raya. The STUFF appears to be there, but command and control seems to come and go too often. He had a really nice last start and did recover from a bad 1st inning to flash. He's been held back, while also pushed. He may have the stuff to be an excellent reliever, but I'd keep him in the rotation for now and wait for something to click. So nice to see Eeles back and doing well. Can't wait until he's back at St Paul. I really like his game and think he's more than just a good story. Being younger than McCusker, I'd like to think the FO looks at him more as a legitimate prospect. Has Fedko simply unlocked his potential at a later date? He's hitting, getting OB, and is on pace for a 20/20 season right now. That's hard to ignore for a not yet 26yo. He's not a TOP prospect by any means, but it's hard to ignore what he's doing. Also hard to ignore what Gonzalez is doing after a very disappointing 2024. The bat has potential be solid with power and he's got a good arm. If he can be average defensively with the potential of his bat/power he could be a RH DH part time OF.

I don't know because I don't know what the coaches are seeing on the cages, or what they're looking for in his AB. But a couple days ago I believe he went 0-4 but every out was over 95mph exit velocity and I believe two of them were over 100. Zero results, but if he keeps hitting the ball that hard good results should come. Hopefully soon. Now, if he's not feeling well physically, I could see a 7 day rest with Buxton and Wallner back.

Best thibg in the entire report is CJ Culpepper back on the mound and throwing again! I don't know if he's going to start at the ML level, or if he's got stud potential as a reliever who may be able to get both sides out. (6 pitches). But he needs to get healthy and back to AA ASAP and still get in over half a season. He should be targeted for AAA in 2026...if not sooner...if healthy and ready to go again. I never really understood the Fedko selection as it didn't seem like he had any singular skill to hang his cap on, other than maybe OB%. And until this season, that's pretty much been the case. Having to repeat a level and then climbing the ladder at that level isn't a disappointment. But that's more common for 19-20-21yo's. How do the Twins feel about a late blooming 25yo at AA having his best season so far? On his current pace, he'd double or triple just about every significant career mark as a pro. As a fan i have no problem with a late bloomer who can do a bit of everything and cover all 3 OF spots as a bench contributor. But it's almost like a different player when you compare 2025 to all other seasons. Good for him! But im betting he doesn't hit AAA until the 2nd half.